CEN27LA013

On October 12, 2026, at 1540 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N9859W, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Abita Springs, Louisiana. The private pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that he topped off the airplane fuel level for a personal flight that was to remain in the local area. He stated the engine runup for the flight was performed with a left fuel tank selection, the runup was normal, and he did not change fuel tank positions for the duration of the flight. He then performed two full stop takeoff and landings without incident prior to attempting a third takeoff. During the third takeoff roll and rotation, the engine instrument indications were normal. While the airplane climbed through 700 ft above ground level and entered a left turn for the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern, the engine “sputtered.” The pilot stated that he verified the mixture control was in the full rich position and the fuel pump was on and “checked the carburetor heat with no apparent effect.” Shortly afterwards, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot stated that he engaged the engine starter, heard the starter operate, and saw the propeller turn, but the engine did not restart. He initially turned the airplane toward the departure runway but determined that the airplane would not have sufficient altitude to clear the trees along the return course. He identified an open field to his right, with a dirt road running through it, and selected that area for landing. During landing, the airplane impacted terrain and sustained substantial damage to the airplane’s left wing. The airplane owner stated that the airplane had not received a current annual inspection under CFR Part 91.409 at the time of the accident. The airplane was retained for further examination.